Pattern sizing?

[bluelodge]

It's been years since I've bought a clothing pattern.  My daughter wants a vest in a fabric she can't find in the stores.  I'll probably just get one of the quickie patterns.  I know it will be easy enough to sew.     But, how is sizing when I purchase it?  If I need a 36 in bust, do I pick that size.  I guess I'm wondering how true to size most patterns are.  Hopefully I'll find one with multiple sizes in one envelope.  Any help? Jo anne's is 20 mile away, so I won't be going for a week or so.

[kellyhelene]

Pick by bust unless she has a C cup or larger.  It's easier to adjust the hips and waist as needed than the bust (since that will tweak the arms, shoulders, etc too).  If she has a larger bust measure her around ABOVE her breasts and buy the pattern with that as the bust measurements, than do a full bust adjustment.
http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=486

(commercial patterns are still drafted to a B cup, god only knows why...  there's a few with multiple cup size options, but not many)

[bluelodge]

Thanks.  That helped.